Background

Though Sioux Falls (pop. 159,908) is South Dakota’s largest city, it is nicknamed the “Best Little City in America.” True to form, the city has one of the best little recycling programs across the country as well. In the city, certain recyclables (outlined below) are mandatory to recycle. An ordinance enacted in 2004 also banned electronic items from the regional landfill. In addition to the mandatory recyclables, multiple local waste haulers also collect other recyclables (listed below).

Materials recycled

Mandatory recyclables Paper Newspapers and inserts, magazines, catalogs, phonebooks, junk mail, white and pastel office paper, paperboard, shredded paper (secured in a clear plastic bag), paper bags (no bright colors) and corrugated cardboard are accepted. Plastics All plastic containers numbered 1 and 2. Metals Aluminum cans, steel/tin cans (rinsed/dry), clean aluminum foil, clean aluminum trays and empty aerosol cans are accepted. Glass Glass bottles and jars are accepted (caps/lids OK). All items must be rinsed. Check with local haulers to see if they take… Glass jars and bottles, plastic containers numbered 3 through 6 (no buckets larger than 5 gallons), empty plastic bags and cardboard egg cartons.

Frequency

Sioux Falls recycles at the curb, but frequency and type of collection (single stream or sorted) depends on the local hauler. For the most accurate information, contact a local hauler in Sioux Falls.

Other programs

Sioux Falls’ household hazardous waste facility (1015 E. Chambers St.) is open Tuesday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to noon, for residents of Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha (which includes Sioux Falls and vicinity) and Turner counties. A complete list of accepted items (including a full lineup of electronic items) can be found online in the city’s household hazardous waste brochure. Yard waste can be collected and taken to the Sioux Falls Regional Sanitary Landfill (267th Street & 464th Avenue) to compost for free. Landfill is open Monday through Saturday — check local postings for seasonal hours.

More information

Visit the City of Sioux Falls Recycling & Waste website for more recycling program info.